AIM Active Harmonic Filters

Real time active filtering of harmonics

Harmonics and Power Quality

The term Power Quality relates to the amplitude, frequency
and distortion of the electrical supply. Whilst the utility
provides a supply, which has the amplitude and the
frequency within controlled limits, it is the consumer and his
equipment that distorts both the voltage and current
waveforms.

Prior to the proliferation of modern power electronics, most
loads were linear, drawing a sinusoidal current following the
supply voltage. However, nowadays the most common loads
are non-linear, utilizing power that is not sinusoidal. Non-
linear equipment use converters to transform AC power to
DC power. The type of converter, the semiconductor and
load characteristics dictate the current drawn by the source.
Since the current drawn is not sinusoidal, harmonics are
generated.

Harmonic Distortion, caused by non-linear loads on the
supply network, results in currents in the system that are of
a higher magnitude than expected and contain harmonic
frequency components. The economic effects of these
harmonics are shorter equipment life, reduced energy
efficiency, and a susceptibility to nuisance tripping.

There are several common problems associated with
harmonics:-

Overheating of transformers, cables and motors

Nuisance tripping of circuit breakers

Over-stressing of PF correction capacitors

Reduced current carrying capacity of cables due to
skin effect

Overloading of neutral conductors

Zero crossing noise

Voltage distortion

Problems caused when harmonic currents reach the
supply legislation problems.

The Solution: AIM Active Harmonic Filter

A proven technology is now available to isolate harmonic
current and protect the equipment on your power
distribution system from damage due to harmonic voltage
distortion.

By actively monitoring the non-linear current demanded by
the load, the AIM Active Harmonic Filter (AHF) electronically
generates an adaptive current waveform, which matches the
shape of the non-linear portion of the load current. By
injecting this matching current into the bus in real time, the
AHF stops the destructive current at the point of
connection.

By this mode of cancellation, the AIM AHF provides the
industrys best attenuation of harmonic currents.
The AHFs IGBT Converter Bridge reacts at micro-second
speed to changes in the non-linear load current, allowing
cancellation even as the high frequency harmonic
components change.

The AHF is not affected by changes in the impedance in the
system, nor will it react with other devices. The AHF will not
adversely affect the resonant points in the system.

The AHF has no series components allowing an easy-to-
install connection. If greater capacity is required, the AHF
has built-in circuitry to allow for simple paralleling.
Paralleled systems are available for single point field
connections.

Unique Features


AIM (Adaptive Injection Mode) Harmonic Filter
The AHFs electronic bridge draws leading reactive current
from the power line, stores it in a DC capacitor bus, and
delivers it back to the line as harmonic current, meeting the
loads demand for non-linear current at the point of
connection. The source delivers fundamental current.

Industrys Best Harmonic Cancellation Device
Unlike a tuned filter, the AHF continuously measures the
loads changing non-linear current and injects the required
waveform to supply the loads harmonic current demand
from the 2
nd
to the 51
st
harmonic.

Easy to Apply
The AHF is a non-resonating, non-tuned device. It can be
installed anywhere on the distribution system. A simple
measurement to determine the magnitude of harmonic
current is all that is needed. For new installations the
equipment manufacturer or your AHF supplier can provide
the required data.
IGBT Bridge
The AHFs Class-D Switching Mode Current Source Amplifier
uses Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors. These are high
frequency switched power electronic devices that allow high
resolution and micro-second response to match the loads
non-linear current waveform.

The AHF is connected parallel to the bus through a soft start
circuit. When energized the AHF draws leading reactive
current and the converter uses this to charge the internal
DC Bus.

The current transformers on two of the phases measure the
load current. An electronic notch filter rejects the
fundamental frequency component and passes the
distortion current components (harmonic as well as non-
harmonic, transient and sub-harmonic components).
Electronically controlled linear attenuators reduce the
harmonic current signals to limit the AHFs harmonic current
output to the units rated RMS value.

The amplifier control logic uses this signal to modulate
current waveform which matches the non-fundamental
current demanded by the non-linear load.


Features

Adaptive Injection Mode (AIM)
Continuously monitors the load harmonic current spectrum and cancels it.

Industrys Best Harmonic Cancellation Device
Superior non-linear current cancellation from the 2
nd
to 51
st
harmonic. Greatly
reduces notching caused by SCR switching, diode rectification and other load
generated transients.

Parallel Connection
With no series components the AHF can be easily installed without major re-work.
Current measurement is made with current transformers. Energy consumption is
low.

Electronic VAR Current
In addition to harmonic cancellation current, the AHF electronically produces leading
VAR current, aiding the improvement of system power factor without the negative
effects of traditional power factor correction capacitors.

Current Limited
The AHF unit is current limited and can work in any system without overload or
damage, regardless of the magnitude of harmonic current demanded by the load.

Safety and Access
The AHFs power sections are covered within the enclosure to LVD standards.
Removable panels allow easy front access and clear view of major components.

G5/4 & IEEE 519-1992
The AHF units are easily paralleled and can be sized to guarantee compliance with
G5/4 and IEEE 519-1992 harmonic standards under most load conditions.

Pictured 100Amp Model contains:

MCS / Isolation Device
Fast Acting/High Interrupting Fuses
High Frequency / EMI/EMC Filter
Soft Start Contactor Circuit
IGBT Switching-Mode Power Stage
DC Bus Capacitors
AC Capacitor Reactive Current section

Product Offering Summary

3-Wire models range between 25 and 300 amps (4-wire to 100 amps) with inputs of
208V through 600 VAC, 50Hz or 60Hz. CT requirements are specified per
application. Split core CTs are available upon request. AHFs can be paralleled with
one set of CTs. All units are available as chassis or enclosed. Consult AIM for special
enclosure requirements. All models include a control / display panel.

Chassis models include a control / display panel, 1m of ribbon cable, 2 CTs and 200k
AIC Fuses. A moulded case disconnect switch is included with all enclosed models.
A power quality analyser (PQA) with communications is available at extra cost as an
addition.


Typical Connection Diagram

AIM AHF Field Results 100Amp
Attenuation From the 2nd to 51st Harmonic
Typical results of the AHF during operation in parallel with SCR
Bridge Rectifier non-linear load seen from
Delta side of a Delta-Wye transformer.

SOURCE CURRENT WITHOUT AHF SOURCE CURRENT WITH AHF



SOURCE VOLTAGE WITHOUT AHF SOURCE VOLTAGE WITH AHF


100Amp AIM AHF
100Amp AIM AHF

V.2
Product Specifications

Technical Data: 3Phase 3Wire & 4Wire Models. Voltage: 400V 50-60Hz *

Type Model Harmonic
Cancellation
Phase
Current
Harmonic
Cancellation
Neutral
Current
Reactive
Current
Corrective
KVARs
Losses
@ rated
output
Dimensions
H x W x D
Approx
Weight
(Arms) (Arms) (Arms) (KVARs) (kw) (mm) (Kg)
3W Chassis 3A025F5ECHXF 25 - 14 9.3 0.6 788 x 407 x 312 50
3W Wall Mount 3A025F5EE3MF 25 - 14 9.3 0.6 788 x 407 x 338 59
4W Chassis 4A025F5ECHXF 25 75 14 9.3 0.6 788 x 407 x 312 50
4W Wall Mount 4A025F5EE3MF 25 75 14 9.3 0.6 788 x 407 x 338 59
3W Chassis 3A050F5ECHXF 50 - 27 19 1.1 1220 x 407 x 312 79
3W Wall Mount 3A050F5EE3MF 50 - 27 19 1.1 1220 x 407 x 338 86
4W Chassis 4A050F5ECHXF 50 150 27 19 1.1 1220 x 407 x 312 79
4W Wall Mount 4A050F5EE3MF 50 150 27 19 1.1 1220 x 407 x 338 86
3W Chassis 3A100F5ACHXF 100 - 54 37 2.2 1897 x 500 x 381 170
3W Floor Mount 3A100F5AE2MF 100 - 54 37 2.2 2109 x 610 x 508 272
4W Chassis 4A100F5ACHXF 100 300 54 37 2.2 1897 x 500 x 381 180
4W Floor Mount 4A100F5AE2MF 100 300 54 37 2.2 2107x610 x 508 282
3W Chassis 3A150F5ACHXF 150 - 81 56 3.3 1897 x 699x381 190
3W Floor Mount 3A150F5AE2MF 150 - 81 56 3.3 2109 x 813 x 508 318
3W Chassis 3A200F5ACHXF 200 - 104 72 4.4 1897 x 1106 x 381 204
3W Floor Mount 3A200F5AE2MF 200 - 104 72 4.4 2109 x 1220 x 508 397
3W Chassis 3A300F5ACHXF 300 - 162 112 6.6 1897 x 1106 x 381 250
3W Floor Mount 3A300F5AE2MF 300 - 162 112 6.6 2109 x 1220 x 508 443
* Other voltages 208V-600V available

General Specification


Input Voltage Nominal +6%, -14% steady state (+/- 10% at 208 VAC)
Nominal +11%, -19% 20 minutes (+/- 15% at 208 VAC)
Transient IEEE 587, class B
Input Frequency Nominal +/- 5%
Interrupting Capacity 200kA, fused
Initialisation Time 6 sec maximum
Peak Harmonic Current 3x nominal rms maximum rating
Reactive Current Injected 85% electronically generated
Control & Indication Panel Switch On / Off / Reset
Indicators Power Applied
Operate
At Max. Capacity
Fault
Temp. Warning
Remote Indicator
(relay output)
Operate
Fault
Power Applied
Temperature 0 to 40C operating, - 30 to 50C storage
Humidity to 95%, non-condensing
Altitude to 1500 meters
MFBF 10.8 years

Contacts


AIM Europe
Balvaddi House
12 Ferry Row
Fairlie
Ayrshire
KA29 0AJ
Scotland
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1475 568 423
Fax: +44 (0) 1475 568 808
email: powerquality@aimeurope.com
www.aimeurope.com
APT AIM Energy, Inc
(Corporate Office)
Port Ludlow
WA 98365, USA
Tel: +1 360 437 7779

AIM Canada
Ontario, L4B 1C7
Canada
Tel: +1 905 709 8970
AIM AsiaPAC
Singapore, 545782
Tel: +65 9739 8490

AIM Spain
Kerideke SL
Madrid, Spain
Tel: +34 629 447 200

AIM South America
Tijuano B. C., Mexico
+52 664 701 77 20
Email: pmm@aimeurope.com
General Configuration
Block Diagram